Latifi to join Russell at Williams, replacing Kubica; No more seats in 2020, meaning Hulkenberg set to leave the sport
Monday 17 February 2020 09:04, UK
Williams have confirmed Nicholas Latifi as Robert Kubica's replacement, completing the Formula 1 grid for the 2020 season.
Latifi, the F2 frontrunner, had been the strong favourite for the drive, having taken part in six practice sessions for the Grove team this season.
The Canadian's deal means there are no more seats available on the grid for next season, confirming that the likes of Renault's Nico Hulkenberg will be leaving the sport.
"All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved this year in FIA Formula 2, along with his commitment to the team, and the work that he has put in behind the scenes," said deputy team principal Claire Williams of Latifi, 24.
"Nicholas has become an established and well-respected member of Williams, and we look forward to him stepping up into this new role, as we look to fight our way back to the midfield."
Latifi, who will partner George Russell, added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team this year, supporting them with the development of the car, and assisting wherever I can trackside and at the factory.
"I look forward to the journey ahead with the team, and I am excited to make my Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2020."
Latifi has never raced in F1, but has been a reserve driver with three different teams since 2016: starting with Renault, before moving to Force India and most recently Williams.
This season, he combined his practice work with Williams with his best F2 campaign to date. Latifi is currently second, 10 points ahead of Luca Ghiotto with two more races to go in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Latitfi, the second Canadian on the grid after Lance Stroll, will step into a Williams team who have scored just one point this season, struggling as distant backrunners throughout 2019.
Kubica scored that solitary point but the Pole, who made a remarkable comeback to the sport after significant injuries, has been dominated in qualifying by Russell and announced in September that he would be leaving.
Kubica has been linked with the Haas simulator drive for next season.
The last race of the 2019 F1 season takes place in Abu Dhabi this weekend, and will be exclusively live on Sky Sports F1.
